VW and Mastertons Brew 75th Anniversary Coffee Blend

When a car company and a coffee roaster both turn 75, there's only one way to celebrate: blend their legacies into something everyone can enjoy.

Volkswagen South Africa and Mastertons Coffee, two iconic Nelson Mandela Bay businesses, launched "The People's Blend" this week. The limited-edition coffee honors Volkswagen's 75 years of manufacturing in South Africa, where the first Beetle rolled off the Kariega assembly line in 1951.

Mastertons has been roasting coffee in Gqeberha since 1924, making it South Africa's oldest coffee roastery. The partnership felt natural given both companies' deep roots in the Bay area and their commitment to quality craftsmanship.

Eight coffee-loving Volkswagen employees became the ultimate taste testers. The group included engineers, managers, production staff, and a motoring journalist who sampled different roasts under the guidance of Mastertons barista Raymond Roestorff until they unanimously agreed on the winner.

The blend uses only coffee beans sourced from the African continent. "When we started thinking about celebrating our heritage in South Africa, Mastertons was an ideal partner," said Martina Biene, Volkswagen Group Africa Chair and Managing Director.

The Ripple Effect

This collaboration represents more than just a marketing campaign. It showcases how established companies can honor their history while supporting African agriculture and local partnerships.

Mastertons has its own Volkswagen story. Their very first delivery vehicle was a 1973 VW Kombi that's still in use today, making this partnership a full-circle moment for both brands.

"Having the opportunity to collaborate with Volkswagen has been an exceptionally rewarding and really quite a fun experience," said Ryler Masterton, Managing Director. The company's century-long presence in Nelson Mandela Bay mirrors Volkswagen's commitment to the region.

The limited-edition blend goes on sale in August, giving customers a chance to taste a piece of South African manufacturing history while supporting two homegrown businesses that have employed generations of Bay residents.